Hole in the wall diner. Bathrooms not very clean. You choose where to sit. Not apparent, but there is more seating next door. Booster and high chairs available. Staff were overall nice. Had to repeat order a few times for the waitress to actually hear it. We got the French toast special and sampler. Parts of French toast was undercooked. Biscuit was not good, the worst I've ever had. It was flat, dull flavor, and dry flour on the outside. Eggs were good- plain, cooked to our request (medium and well done). Bacon was crispy- interesting it was written "hard" on the receipt when I didn't even say how I wanted it to be cooked. From the sampler, the ham was too salty for my taste. Sausage was good, typical. Grits usually come on the sampler and we are not big fans of grits. They don't accept substitutions according to the menu so we just said don't bring the grits. Added cheese to eggs (gave American cheese, no cheddar). Besides food we had one coffee. Bill total was $25 without tip for credit card. It was busy when we got there a little before 8:30am on a Saturday and most people left by 9:30am. Extra star for nice service. Not sure if we would come back here again, but maybe for the not so bad prices. read more

See all

Always a great experience eating here. If you are looking for a home cooked meal, THIS is the place! Perfect for picking up on the way in to work. read more

See all

I know I mostly write good reviews on here cause I like to call out the good restaurants. I'm in Jacksonville for a meeting . I tried going to Helen's last weekend when I was here for a meeting, but I got up too late and it was packed and I was in a hurry so this morning I got up early because it looked like what I would like. I love liver pudding, and it was the first item at the top of the menu, which made my fiancé laugh because she is a vegan. I have been in and out of the food service for all my life. I started working calabash at 13 and I'm 58 years old. That being said this little hole in the wall absolutely blew me away from the time I walked in the door from the staff attitude, being so nice and so helpful to the food being just as good as I've ever eaten in my entire life. If you want to make a road trip to Jacksonville, North Carolina to eat a really good breakfast for a really good price you will not be up. You will not be disappointed at Helen's trust me on this one. I wish I could give it 10 stars Lastly, I would like to say I get to come back next Saturday for another class and guess where I'm eating my breakfast you got it Helen's read more

Helen's Kitchen - Front of store - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Jacksonville, North Carolina

See all

No Veterans discounts on Veterans Day. Not even a free cup of coffee. Disappointing. Hope their food is better than there love of country.

I absolutely love Helen's Kitchen. Very friendly staff and great food! I would highly recommend!

I was getting an oil change and a brake job at the Subaru dealership and needed to walk somewhere for breakfast on MLK day. Helen's was open and close so I decided to check them out. Waitresses were friendly and you can seat yourself (good if you're looking to space out due to COVID precautions). The menu was standard American diner fare and the prices were pretty low - $5.50 for a club sandwhich with a generous portion of fries, a biscuit for 80 cents. The only thing that warranted the removal of a star was the buiscuit - they brought out the flattest biscuit I have ever seen. I had to double check the calendar to make sure that it wasn't Passover and that I hadn't gotten some unleavened bread. I expected something else in the south. It tasted OK but be forewarned! I paid $3.50 for the soup of the day, a big bowl of hearty vegetable soup with beef. They serve Pepsi products and it is by the can (no free refills). I brought in my own Coke Zero (I came prepared for the dealership with my own stash) and rather then tell me that they didn't allow outside food or drink, the waitress asked me if I'd like a glass for for my Coke Zero. That was unexpected and much appreciated, I've forgiven them the Passover biscuit and added a bonus star. 4.5 / 5, give them a shot. read more

See all

Went here for breakfast with my old man as we have done many times before getting our haircut at Toneys down the way. I'll begin with the walk in. The place is always packed. You go in and I've always been greeted nicely and told to sit anywhere I'd like. One day I'm going to sit with a random person. Lol. I like being able to choose where I sit. The inside could definitely use a make over but it is always clean. The bathrooms need a make over as well but again, they are always clean. All of the items on the walls tell a story and make you wonder what all those stories are. The staff, I've not met one yet that wasn't exceptional. They always smile and seem to be happy to be there. I like the fact that they all seem very comfortable with every customer and know many by name. Now to the great part, the food! I had two eggs scrambled and well done. Bacon. Sausage Pattie's, the home potato's, two biscuits, and French toast. To be fair, this is my usual meal minus the French toast. The food always seems very fresh and cooked well. It always comes to the table hot and I'm always excited about that first bite. My dad had what I had plus pork chops from the grill. He stated that they were pretty good but a bit tough. It didn't stop him from eating it all. Lol. As for the French toast, I was a tad disappointed. Don't get me wrong, it was good. I think it could use a bit more cinnamon and some powdered sugar. It was prepared really good and I enjoyed it, but not as much as I could have. I'd give five stars easily, but the French toast and needs for upgrades are needed. Thanks for what you all do here because you make many people happy. read more

See all

Helens is great place to have home made southern foods. They serve breakfast and lunch and the staff was very nice and did not have you wait a long time at all to get your food. They have a variety of specials daily and they all sound amazing! You can get a simple breakfast, sandwiches, meals and seafood plates for pretty good price. read more

See all

Always love it homemade biscuits are the best, dinner specials are not high price my family loves it

It reminds me of a little country kitchen. I enjoyed the grits and scrapple. The wait staff is friendly and attentive and the prices are great! read more

Friendly staff and great food! The biscuits and gravy were flavorful and peppery! A great little local spot for a filling breakfast!

Food and service was great ,place is cozy we've been going there for several years as well as our family members and other friends of ours, we will definitely be going back there again. read more

Simple food in an unassuming plaza on US-17 north. Honestly, if you're not a local, you'd have no idea it was there. I would have walked by it if my mother hadn't opened the door in front of me. It's a sit wherever joint. Mom always sits in the back, but I wanted to sit closer to the door. Our waitress came up to the table and my mother introduced me. Wow! Had no idea my mother was well known in the area. There's a lot of history on the walls. Plenty of family photos and smart-ass sayings on the wall. I peeped a sign that said "Keep Your Hands Off Of The Waitress." ... Yep. Lots of history alright. They're open during breakfast and lunch, but their entire menu is available. I really wanted the fried flounder special ($8.50), but it was breakfast time and that calls for eggs. Decided on two poached eggs with the ribeye and a side of potatoes and white toast (they only offer that and wheat). The menu said the ribeye was four ounces... It was definitely more like two, but I was just impressed by how they managed to cook a thin slice of meat to my desired temperature: medium. It wasn't burnt and was seasoned nicely. Pretty good stuff. The eggs were good and the potatoes were okay. Had to douse them in ketchup. My toast was chewy and on the cold side, so the whipped spread didn't melt. Just what I expected for $7.75. Mom ordered some liver pudding, scrambled eggs, and grits with grilled biscuits on the side. This the same dish she gets every time. Creature of habit. I tried the liver pudding and it was really good. She wasn't happy about the biscuits not being as hard as they usually are, but she ate them with plenty of jelly. Our bill came to $16. Alright for breakfast. Would definitely go to again for quick and cheap eats. read more

See all

My family and I love this place! It is the perfect little "mom and pops" diner. It reminds us of home and we can't get enough. Plus the food is delicious! read more

I don't have anything positive to say about Helen's. We walked in to find a transplant out of a late 70's rural farm town with sticky residue on everything (tables, chairs, menus, condiments, etc.). The coffee was warm but had no flavor and everything was the lowest quality grade available. If you grew up eating free meals from the school cafeteria and want to experience the nostalgia of eating what I only imagine prison food tastes like then you will enjoy your meal here. In summary, this place has garbage food and I recommend that you don't even bother hunting it down. The only positive note is that the staff are friendly and nice, but even with that being said they are disorganized and don't do a great job taking care of you. read more

There's NO COUNTRY COOKING HERE! Save yourself from the frozen junk this place sells. The waitress even informed us as we ordered the food that the juice was cafeteria style like the ones with the foil pull back top. The hash browns were a square frozen block. The pancake is powder and they put water in it and stir. Coffee creamer was curdled as I poured it in my chipped coffee cup. If I had wanted a refill that wasn't happening. Biscuits tasted like they were mixed with rubber cement. EGGS weren't even good. How can the eggs be gross...??? I wasn't expecting much for Jacksonville but dang this topped the cake. I just don't get it. FALSE ADVERTISING AT ITS FINEST. Ramsey would tear this place down. On the bright side you can save the patties and go hit the rink. read more

See all

The food is good and reasonable priced. The people are friendly . The atmosphere is family oriented

The Yelp reviews were misleading. We are from out of town and came here for breakfast based on the reviews. First of all, the service was awesome! Everyone was friendly and they checked on us frequently. However, the food was disappointing. This really ruined it for me despite the great service. Nothing special in them at all. Eggs were bland, potatoes were dry, and ribeye was dry and tasteless. What kind of toast does not have butter? It was so dry and hard like paper. The serving was so small but i guess that's what you can expect for the cheap price. If i'm a local, it's probably a good place to hangout during ordinary days. Not really a place for people in their younger age. Traditional, no background music, bright lights. Off of the highway (you can't tell it's there unless you really look for it). I would not come back again! read more

My son chose this place for breakfast. Sadly I did not like the Western omelette. The ham inside was extremely salty. It was not edible. Yes, this omelette is known as Denver Omelette in California minus the 100% salt taste. Nothing about the breakfast would make me return for a second visit. I'm guessing I've been in the city too long. Bland and extremely salty best described the plate. Better luck to you. read more

I hope they rebuild after the fire. I live a couple of hours away, but try to get down for breakfast at Helen's Kitchen several times a year. One of my visits was just a few days after the fire. What a disappointment to pull up into the parking lot and have no one there. I came back maybe a month or so later and still closed. But, I love the country ham breakfast here. I love their flat biscuits with red-eye gravy and a couple of sunny side up eggs and the sliced potatoes. Coffee is good too. Just a great, repeatable breakfast, over and over again. read more

See all

Your standard small town diner. I went out to breakfast. It was all I expected. Clean , friendly and a menu that didn't disappoint. I would eat there again. read more

I have been trying to go to more small businesses here in Jacksonville. I found this breakfast place. Walking in, you can tell it is a mom and pop local breakfast place with the mix matched decor. The food was awesomely portioned for the price. Basic breakfast and lunch foods. It was pretty awesome. You could tell who were regulars and the atmosphere was so relaxed, intimate, and inviting! read more

Liver pudding, chitlens & pig brains on the menu. I chickened out & didn't try any this time. I opted for 1 egg with grits & a cup of coffee. All were good! The Oh So warm & delicious biscuits were my favorite part. Our waitress, Diane, knew it was our first time and not only welcomed us to Helen's Kitchen but to Jacksonville as well! I enjoyed the local ambiance. Reminds me of a small town diner where locals congregate for coffee & chatter. Definitely will be back...often :-) read more

See all

Ample portions. Friendly staff and quick service in this old fashioned ice cream counter seating place with a toy train circling the room. Furnishings were simple and there was a sort of nostalgic charm to the place. Food was decent and obviously scratch made which is a welcome change from most restaurants. Fed five kids and two adults very reasonably. Good value for the money. read more

Visited here for first time today. Now this place is not fancy by any means. Very simple with a down to earth feel. A mom and pop place. We need more places like this instead of big chain over priced places.First off the customer service was fantastic. My drink never went empty and waitress checked on me and my wife whenever she came by. It is nice to see an older waitstaff as well. They tend to have better customer service. The breakfast I had was the sampler breakfast. And my oh my the portions were very generous too! It was down to earth delicious country cooking!!! The pricing here for breakfast is better than anywhere else in the area. I will definitely be back!!! read more

Classic old school breakfast joint. Great service. Delicious Iced Tea. Crazy cheap prices. I had the Sampler and it filled me up for the day. Highly recommend. read more

Good food good service nice spot for a home cooked style breakfast. Hospitality is great & laid back vibe. read more

See all

We are relocating to Jacksonville and this was our second visit to Helen's. Once we move here in July we plan on being regulars. Good old fashioned cooking, generous portions and plenty of smiling faces. If you're looking for heaping servings of down home cooking & love, come to Helens! read more

What a wonderful place. Lovely, sweet, kind people working there. Food was just what we wanted...I simple hearty breakfast. Nice and clean. Nothing fancy, but breakfast doesn't need to be fancy. I will be back immediately. read more

Ate here three days in a row and will be eating here each time I visit Jacksonville! Excellent food and service with a smile. The biscuits are truly awesome and the white sausage gravy is even better than mine! And the prices are very reasonable. I love this place! read more

While visiting my sister and father in Jacksonville, we found this small out of the way restaurant for breakfast. It is a gem. It is country cooking at its best. The restaurant has been in business since 1980 and it certainly shows why. Service was great and the food was excellent. The food is seasoned well and cooked to perfection. This is one of the best breakfasts you will get in Jacksonville and at a price you cannot beat. read more

I travel a lot and always look for a good place for breakfast. So good to find a good country kitchen. Great food great service. Cash only no credit cards. read more

My wife and I eat breakfast here every Saturday morning! Always fantastic food, service, and people!!

My husband and I went for breakfast at about 9:30 this week. Not many people there but it was later for the breakfast rush. It appears to be a old country store . We got eggs and sausage and grits. It really cost more than what was presented. We felt that the breakfast was priced to high and not worth that money. But people were there to support the place and I guess that gives it an extra star. read more

When you pull up to Helen's Kitchen the first impression is that it must be a little local hole in the wall but it is so much more. In the mornings, you can smell the country ham all the way down at Moore Buick (I walked between the 2 so I should know). Once inside, you see the heart and history of Jacksonville. I guess you could say I am bias as I have eaten here for 38 years but I remember after the fire when locals myself included worried Helen's wouldn't open back up. Its a southern style restaurant where the food is cooked to order and fresh. The waitstaff are like your grandma or your next door neighbor. In the mornings, you can sit and drink regular good ol' fashion coffee, get a huge breakfast, and listen to everything going on in Onslow County... then witness a waitress helping a man with his walker, a patron holding the door for a stranger. We NEED more restaurants like Helen's. Yes I do like the frills and luxuries of high end dining and newer facilities... but what draws you here and brings you back is the HEART. read more

Good breakfast here last weekend. Tried the liver pudding and eggs and enjoyed it. Nothing fancy, but gives you everything you need. Seemed like a place that everyone knows each other. Service a little abrupt but we didn't mind. read more

So friendly and nice little place to stop for breakfast ... the breakfast is great! Reminds me of a back home mom and pop breakfast diner

They have great pancakes! Their breakfast is like Mom would make at home. Very reasonably priced. Way better that chain restaurants. All the staff is very friendly; it's almost like your visiting friends. read more

Great breakfast spot. My husband loves the corned beef hash. The western omelette is stuffed with salted ham peppers onions and cheddar cheese. Utterly delicious!The grits are perfectly buttered and salted. Their coffee is simple and hot. It's a great place to have a meal, read the paper and relax read more

Great food! Just like grandama would make. Great sweet tea. Love the chicken and dumplings.